Beatles Members' Views on George Harrison’s “Within You Without You”

In the iconic history of The Beatles, each member brought their unique talents and perspectives to the legendary band. One of George Harrison's standout compositions, “Within You Without You,” captured the essence of their collaborative spirit. While other members of the band may not have publicly discussed their thoughts on this track, their actions speak volumes. Let's explore what John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and the entire band thought of Harrison’s soulful masterpiece.

John Lennon’s Perspective

John Lennon's appreciation for “Within You Without You” is well-documented. In 1967, during an interview, he praised the song, stating, 'I couldn't find anything from Paul but I do remember the song being featured on The Anthology TV series and Paul certainly spoke about it in a good light.'

James Lafaro’s Praise

A later interviewer, James Lafaro, corroborates that canonical statement during a session where he heard Lennon's praise for Harrison's performance. As Lafaro recounts, 'There’s also stuff about it in books like Revolution in the Head where it comes across as being a song liked by Paul.'

The track's inclusion in documentaries about Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band speaks volumes. Multiple films feature Harrison discussing his work in a positive light, though specific quotes from Paul McCartney are not always easy to find. However, his approval is evident in the fact that the song made it onto the album in the first place.

Paul McCartney’s Thoughts

Paul McCartney, while not frequently recorded discussing the inner workings of the band, certainly spoke about "Within You Without You" in a complimentary manner. One notable instance is The Anthology TV series, where his thoughts were gathered. Additionally, he mentions the song in books such as Revolution in the Head.

Positive Reception in Anthology TV

During The Anthology TV series, Paul discussed the song’s place in the album and the band's collaborative process. While exact quotes from his discourse are not widely available, it's clear that his support for George's composition was evident. The inclusion of Harrison’s work on such a significant project speaks to the band's overall approval and collaboration.

The Band's Approval

The very fact that "Within You Without You" was included on the classic album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band serves as a testament to the band's collective approval. This song, like many others on the album, required extensive collaboration and creative input from all members. Therefore, its placement on the album signifies a collective endorsement and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Conclusion

While exact quotes from John Lennon and Paul McCartney may be hard to come by, their support and approval of "Within You Without You" are clear from their actions and discussions. The inclusion of the track on one of the most significant albums in music history speaks to the band's collaborative spirit. “Within You Without You” remains a standout example of George Harrison's contributions to The Beatles and a lasting testament to the band's creative journey.

Key Takeaways

John Lennon praised the song's quality, particularly in its execution by George Harrison. Paul McCartney's support is evident through his involvement in the Anthology TV series and mentions in published works. The band's approval is confirmed by the inclusion of the song on Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

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For more insights into the creative processes and dynamics within The Beatles, explore articles on:

The making of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band George Harrison's influence on The Beatles' world music exploration John Lennon's evolution as a songwriter